Die HandlingPlatform Vehicles

A Tradition of Excellence

Elwell-Parker® E30/E31 die-handling platformtrucks are an integral part of the quick die-change teams found today in many majormanufacturing facilities. With the speed andprecision of a drill team, die changes can nowbe made in minutes instead of hours.

A die-handling truck’s overall performanceand design is based on specific customerrequirements. For dependable performance,these trucks are engineered with state-of-the-art technology and can be powered by 36-, 48-, or 72-volt motors. Models are available in capacities starting at 7.5 tons,depending on the application.

A major design consideration for any customer is the truck’s die platform versatility.Based on the application, these trucks aredesigned to side-load or end-load the die onto the press bed using a variety of

configurations. Elwell-Parker® engineers haveeven designed a die platform that combinesboth side-loading and end-loading functions.

Die-handler trucks are designed specifically to install and remove dies/molds from verticalpresses and mold machines. A tight turningradius allows Elwell-Parker® die-handlers to operate in smaller areas than conven-tional forklift trucks, thereby freeing the manufacturer to make maximum use of plant floor space.

The die-handling truck’s design providesfaster die changes than is possible with overhead cranes. And because the operator ismanaging the dies with a truck, as opposed tohaving the load suspended overhead, plantworkers have more confidence and feel saferperforming the changes.

Die-handling trucks are also more versatilethan overhead cranes or rail-guided carts,because they are not limited by a rail systemthat confines a crane’s travel. Die handlingtrucks can service large areas, traveling freelybetween press lines.

With these time-saving and safety-orientedbenefits in mind, major industrial companiesare enjoying the solid return-on-investmentElwell-Parker® die-handlers provide.

Elwell-Parker® enjoys a rich heritage as aleading designer and manufacturer of high-capacity die-handling trucks, and is theleading supplier of this type of equipment tomany industrial companies in the UnitedStates and throughout the world.

Elwell-Parker® die handling platform trucksBuilt for today’s productivity, designed for tomorrow’s dependability

Elwell-Parker ® E31 series, standard end-loading Die-Handler featuring the pusher block or bollard-style mechanism.

Elwell-Parker® designs dependable die-handling trucksElwell-Parker® engineers have designed twoseries of dependable die-handling trucks toservice varying requirements. Based on thespecific needs of the application and cus-tomer preference, Elwell-Parker® stand-uprider trucks offer the option of operatorentry/exit from the rear (E31 model) or to theright or left side (E30 model). In either case,the operator is located close to the load foroptimum visual contact.

On the E30, the battery is located at the rearof the truck. This allows an operator to quicklydismount close to the upright/control area ofthe truck.

For a tighter turning radius in confined areas,the E31 truck features a split battery design,which shortens the overall length of the truckcompared to the E30.

It is important to note that although Elwell-Parker® standard-design die-handlersinclude many popular features, the trucks can be designed for specific applications and incorporate a variety of options anddesign alterations.

Elwell-Parker ® E30 truck with three-position control center:one is on the cowl, the others are on the left and right sides of the truck.

To learn more about the fundamentalsof die handling, contact Elwell-Parker®

for a brochure on the subject. Call800.848.4373, or contact your localElwell-Parker® dealership.

Fundamentals of die handling

The truck is operated from an elevated controlcenter compartment located close to the load.This level of visibility helps operators reducecostly press damage when placing dies/moldsin/out of presses.

The truck’s centralized control center is located on the cowl. This provides excellentmaneuverability and operational ease,because the operator uses his left hand tosteer with the tiller-style handle while keepinghis right hand free to manipulate the forward,reverse and speed control handle.

The die-handler’s independent hydraulic controls provide infinite control of thepush/pull mechanism while positioning the die in/out of the press. The operator performs quick die-changes in stampingpresses through sequential movement.

The E31 model reduces the number of peoplerequired to change dies. One stays with thetruck while the other works from the floor.For applications requiring only one person,the truck can be ordered with an optionalpendant remote control.

On the E30, only one person (space permitting) is needed to operate the truck.This person can efficiently manipulate thedie/mold from the floor, since the truck hasauxiliary die platform controls on the left andright side of the truck.

In either case, these trucks eliminate the needfor an operator to repeatedly climb on/off thetruck to reposition the chains on the push/pullmechanism. Increasing the productivity cyclecontributes a considerable savings in timeand expense.

Elwell-Parker® engineers have included thefollowing ergonomic controls and instrumen-tation as standard equipment: • Horn • Keyswitch • Travel controls • Hoist controls • Tiller steer handle • Hydraulic power steering system • Hydraulic power brakes • Manual power disconnect • Battery discharge indicator (BDI) with meter and lift interrupt and • Hour meter.

Engineered to reduce load damage while increasing productivity

State-of-the-art technology SCR controls

Smooth, controlled acceleration, precise inch-ing and power conservation are provided bydependable SCR control. This control includesstate-of-the-art features such as: • Currentoverload protection • Pulse monitoring • Thermal protection and • Regenerativebrake circuit.

The SCR control is housed in a compartmentto protect the electronics from environmentalcontamination, yet is still accessible for maintenance.

Regenerative braking systemThe regen-braking system conserves batteryenergy while extending the work cycle. Thecircuit turns the motor into a generator whenplugging the truck, and returns this storedenergy to the battery.

Modern pressure compensatingand load-sensing system

The 36- and 72-volt trucks feature a modernsingle pump hydraulic system, the pressurecompensating and load-sensing systemPCL2S. This advanced hydraulic systemincludes: • Axial piston pump • Choice ofcontrol valves: • Hydraulic plot • Electro-hydraulic or • Manual lever actuated • Stackable valve with option for dissimilarflow rating for each section and • Load-sensing system control.

The modern PCL2S allows the unit to operatemore efficiently. The load-sensing feature andvariable displacement pump ensure only theoil that’s needed is pumped. This reduces theamount of excess oil in the system, reducingunwanted heat and energy loss. The singlepump system results in reduced maintenanceand lower battery consumption.

Individual control levers are centrally located on the cowl and are spring-loaded to return-to-neutral. The control valves arefull-feathering for best inching control. In caseof a hydraulic line rupture, the hydraulic flowcontrol valve in the hoist circuit controls andlimits the lowering speed.

In most cases, the main components of thePCL2S are installed under the truck’s platformto protect the unit from the environment.The PCL2S is located in the rear of the battery compartment for instances when the truck’s platform needs to be lower than17 in./430 mm. In this situation, the die platform can be equipped with a load level

option that ramps the die on rugged steelrollers in/out of the press.

The motor is sized for performance at peakdemand and is not taxed during normal steering, allowing the motor to work more efficiently.

Roller upright dependabilityElwell-Parker® designs and manufactures its own uprights using high-grade steel formaximum strength and torsional stress resistance. For balanced load distribution and reduced friction, the upright employs fourlubricated roller-bearings on the elevator plat-form. The lift cylinders have chrome-platedpiston rods equipped with wipers for extendedwear. The cylinders are strategically mountedto provide direct (chainless) platform lift.

Elwell-Parker ® E31 series with side-loading bollards.

Whether your application requires end-load-ing, side-loading or a combination of the two,Elwell-Parker® can design the platform to bestsuit your requirements.

The Elwell-Parker® end-loading,die-push/pull mechanism is designed to provide years of reliable performance.The mechanism provides infinite control,actuated by two double-acting hydraulic cylinders in conjunction with the roller chains. The push/pull mechanism is mounted in machined steel channels,ensuring a smooth, reliable operation.

The side-loading die push/pull mechanismalso features infinite control, operated by twodouble-acting cylinders in conjunction with a rack and pinion gear arrangement that actuates the bollard.

Depending on the application, the truck canbe equipped with various types of push/pullmechanisms.

Retractable long-arm diepush/pull: end-loadingElwell-Parker® has developed a new handlingdevice for precise die positioning, featuring an innovative retractable long-arm bollardattachment. This unique design allows anoperator to quickly slide the die in/out of thepress through smooth sequential movementand use of a standardized die plate. Thiseffectively reduces the number of operationsnormally required to perform this task.

One key feature of this system is die standardization. Since dies come in variousshapes, sizes and weights, the system uses astandard size die plate attached to the bottomof the lower die shoe. This die plate has built-in targets to allow the retractable long-arm toengage and move the die to/from the press.

Precautions for proper die handling

1. Die must be positioned in center of die handlingplatform.

2. Die must be secured to platform. Platform must be lowered (to lowest position) prior to transport.

3. When pushing die off or pulling die onto platformbeds, truck brakes must be set.

4. In addition, it is necessary to block the truck’swheels or secure truck to press.

Rugged die platform push/pull mechanism

Heavy-dutyhydraulic cylinders

and roller chainsare nested in amachined steel

channel for long,reliable operation.

E31 series withsequential quick-die

change system,featuring long-arm

die push/pull.

E31 die-handler featuring a combination of end-loading and side-loadingbollard systems and winches.

This truck includes two independent Class Hinsulated motors sized specifically for theapplication. The drive units utilize a motor inthe wheel configuration directly coupled to aplanetary-gear hub transmission. Thisarrangement provides continuous outputtorque to the traction wheel. This planetary-gear hub is equipped with a disengage cap toallow the axle to freewheel for maintenancepurposes. A continuous lubricated oil bathdesign results in smooth and quiet operationof the planetary gears. The direct mounting ofthe motor to the planetary-gear hub transmis-sion makes this design compact, efficient andeasily accessible for maintenance.

The dual drive/steer system permits maneu-verability in tight corners, two-wheel brakingfor sure stops and the necessary tractionrequired for wheel/tire floor contact. The in-wheel transmission bolts directly to the wheelcaster, which also holds the brake and motor.This bearing supports the wheel load, allowingthe wheel to steer. Steering is accomplishedwith a mechanical/hydraulic system. The rearaxle is trunnion-mounted to the frame,providing articulation. This enables the truckto maintain four-point contact at all timeswhen traveling over rough floors.

Reliable braking systems

This truck incorporates two hydraulic brakingsystems: • Hydraulic service brake and • parking brake. The hydraulic service brakeis a foot-actuated, automotive-style caliperdisc brake. For ease of maintenance, thesecaliper brakes are located externally on theinboard side of each drive wheel. An independent parking brake is automaticallyapplied when the operator leaves the truckand all power is cut off.

Heavy duty dual drive/steer power axle

Elwell-Parker® line of excellence

P15/AGV unit load handler for transporting

stamping dies/plastic injection molds.

AGV – AlternativeTo complement Elwell-Parker® man-aboarddie-handlers, the company also designs and manufactures a complete line of AGV unit load handlers.

A Vehicle System Manager (VSM) controls the AGV’s travel and operation. This system’sengineering and vehicle on-board/off-boardsoftware and hardware were designed andfurnished by Control Engineering Company.The VSM program coordinates and controlsthe activities of the AGV based on logic andapplication data developed during systemsimulations.

This modern system is made possible through an alliance between Elwell-Parker®

and Control Engineering. This unique partner-ship combines the best high-capacity AGV andsystem controls on the market. Based on yourspecific applications, the die-handlers in thisbrochure can be designed as semi-automaticor automatic.

Preventive maintenanceElwell-Parker® uses state-of-the-art components to minimize downtime. The truckcomponents are protected against harsh workenvironments, yet are accessible and easy to service.

Quality, professional serviceElwell-Parker® customer service representa-tives are trained to provide on-site truckservice and operator training. As part of this service, truck installation is performed by Elwell-Parker.®

The company carries a complete line of quality replacement parts, guaranteed to be designed and manufactured to OEM specifications.

Elwell-Parker® line of excellenceElwell-Parker® enjoys a rich heritage as aleading designer and manufacturer of high-capacity industrial trucks. The company is amajor manufacturer of specially designed,man-aboard, industrial trucks and automaticguided vehicles (AGV). All the trucks producedby Elwell-Parker® are electrically powered for pollution-free operation.

Elwell-Parker® man-driven industrial trucksare available in carrying capacities from 7.5 tons. The product line also includes sit-down and stand-up counterbalance trucks,die-handlers and low-lift or high-lift platformindustrial trucks.

Elwell-Parker® also designs and manufactureshigh capacity AGVs, including unit load carri-ers, tractors, load transfer and assembly line vehicles to 125-ton capacity.

Elwell-Parker® sales and support are providedby a professional dealer network in the UnitedStates and around the world. For the name of your local dealer, call Elwell-Parker® at800.848.4373.

NOTE: HOIST ® materials and specificationsare subject to change without notice.

Man-aboard semi-automatic storage/retrieval die-handler.

Elwell-Parker6499 W. 65th StreetBedford Park, IL 60638708.563.6200 (International)800.848.4373 (USA, Canada)Fax: 708.563.1272www.elwellparker.com © Elwell-Parker EP DHPV 12/02

MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE USA

Elwell-Parker®

A Wholly-OwnedSubsidiary of H&K Equipment, Inc.4200 Casteel DriveCoraopolis, PA 15108USA: 800.272.9953International: 412.490.5300Fax: 412.494.0975www.elwellparker.com

800.272.9953.